REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2021 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE I I-CONNECT007 97
4. IPC launches Thought Leaders Program
During APEX EXPO, IPC announced the
creation of its ought Leaders Program
(TLP). Chaired by IPC Hall of Famer Mike
Carano, the TLP will bring together experts
inside and outside our industry who have
insights to share on matters related to electron-
ics manufacturing. Check out IPC's announce-
ment to see who is in the TLP's inaugural class,
and look soon for their content on everything
from tech trends and trade to cybersecurity
and market analysis.
5. Optimism and Anxiety as We Look
Beyond COVID
IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac, in
his APEX presentations, shared a positive out-
look for the industry in 2021 and beyond. Vac-
cines are promising to bring COVID infection
rates down, and many countries are advancing
recovery and aid packages that are having the
intended effect: stimulating consumer demand
and economic growth. Despite the optimism,
anxiety remains on many fronts: geopoliti-
cal tensions, parts shortages, shiing supply
chains, inflation, uncertain manufacturing
policies, and the likelihood of increased regu-
latory demands in the U.S. and Europe.
Visit www.ipc.org/economic-reports to delve
into Shawn's Monthly Economic Reports.
e good news is that IPC, across many
fronts, is bolstering its capabilities and
resources to address the industry's needs in
this dynamic global environment. Our best
asset is and has always been you, our mem-
bers. I encourage you to reach out to IPC to
contribute your opinions and ideas, and to get
involved in IPC's government relations pro-
gram. A good place to start is www.ipc.org/
ipc-advocacy.
APEX EXPO has concluded, but you have
a continuing opportunity to enjoy and learn
from all the great content it generated. All of
the sessions at APEX EXPO were recorded
and are available to the registered and not-yet-
registered for 90 days aer the show. On behalf
of all of us at IPC, I invite you to check out this
content to understand how the issues and chal-
lenges discussed at APEX EXPO are guiding
our efforts, from your shop floors to the halls
of government across the planet. S&T
Chris Mitchell is IPC vice president, global
government relations.
